business niche market

But whatever you call it, don’t let it get in the way of you coming up with a sound and workable business idea.

You see, more than a few aspiring entrepreneurs mistakenly believe that they must come up with an idea that will appeal to the masses – that will become the “next big thing.” If they don’t get that flash of inspiration, they hesitate to get going on anything.

Some folks believe that ordinary ideas have all been tried and unless they discover a new or innovative idea they won’t become successful in online business.

I say, “don’t worry about finding the perfect idea – just find a good idea, test it, and then develop your business around being exceptional in your niche in some way.” You don’t have to hit a home run to win this game of profitable online business.

There are some common misbeliefs that some folks get hung up on as they think about going into business for themselves:

* I have to invent or create a product that is unique – that hasn’t been seen before

* I have to find a business niche that is without competition

* I must figure a better way to provide my service or give my advice

* I have to be different, innovative, or singular in my effectiveness

Of course, it would be nice to find a niche that had no real competition . . . or a business idea that was so different and innovative that it had never been attempted before.

Truth be known, however, very, very few successful businesses are built upon unique, cutting edge, and never-before-attempted ideas.

Most businesses become successful over time because the owner(s) find a way to become exceptional at executing very mundane and fundamental things that are important to their customers and prospects.

That doesn’t mean however, that your business can’t be unique or unparalleled in some way.

Maybe your business is exceptional in its customer service, in its speed and accuracy of handling orders, in its variety of products or services, or in the low pricing of your products. It could be anything really. Usually, however, that “thing” is very important and recognized by the niche audience.

When Jeff Bezos began Amazon.com, I’m sure he didn’t let the fact that there were millions of bookstores in America get in the way of his entering that market.

Instead, he found a way to make buying books online easy, convenient, cheap, and with quick delivery.

He also came up with a strategy to offer Amazon’s customers the best selection of titles anywhere.

Then Amazon expanded to other online product categories and a new selling model (affiliates) that many other online retailers have now adopted.

Granted, you may not become the next Amazon in your work at home business. But you don’t have to be that innovative or leading-edge to be profitable and successful.

Just try to find an idea that takes full advantage of your own knowledge, skills, and experience so that you will have passion for the subject and will be seen as an authority in it.

Determine how it is that you can become exceptional in the eyes of your customers (some call this your “USP” or unique selling proposition).

If you can figure out how to become the very best at what you do, your customers will help you to know what they want . . . if you ask them . . . and then listen to them. Such engagement doesn’t typically happen unless the business owner takes the initiative to create the communication with his audience.

Besides, the “next big thing” rarely starts out that way in the mind of its creator.

Great ideas, innovative products usually develop over time through continual testing, modifying, refining, and redevelopment.

Your best business ideas will most likely surface over time as you “work” them in their infancy in your business.